The Vietti family has established a scholarship at Labette Community College with a $25,000 pledge from Dr. Jackie Vietti. This new scholarship is part of the Hughes Matching Fund initiative, which provides a 50% match to qualifying endowed gifts, allowing Dr. Vietti’s contribution to have an even greater impact on LCC students for generations to come.
Vietti was honored with the Cardinal Citation Award in May. She has been a champion of community colleges and a passionate advocate for student success for years. Her gift reflects a deep appreciation for the institution that helped her discover her purpose.
“Labette took a chance on me many years ago that led to finding my ‘why’ or passion in life,” said Vietti. “Working beside faculty and staff to change the lives of students and communities for the better, in both tangible and intangible ways, has been a lifelong privilege.”
The Vietti Family Endowed Scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving students, helping to alleviate the cost of tuition, fees and other educational expenses. Vietti’s message to future recipients encourages them to believe in themselves and embrace the journey ahead.
“Dream big, even if you have to start small,” said Vietti. “Surround yourself with people who see things in you that you don’t yet see.”
As a lifelong educator and nationally recognized leader in community colleges, Vietti continues to inspire through her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. “No entity does a more remarkable job of creating opportunities to bring out the best in all whose lives they touch than community colleges in general and Labette in particular,” she said. “Go Cardinals!”
Lindi Forbes, executive director of the LCC Foundation & Alumni Association, expressed gratitude for the contribution. “Dr. Vietti’s legacy at LCC runs deep, and this scholarship is yet another powerful example of her commitment to lifting up students and investing in the future. We are honored to be part of this lasting tribute to her family’s values and vision.”
The Hughes Matching Fund was created through an estate gift from the late Pete and Mary Hughes to inspire others to support student success through endowed scholarships.
To learn more about how you can participate in the Hughes Matching Fund or establish a scholarship at LCC, visit www. labette.edu/foundation or contact Forbes at [email protected] or 620-820-1212.
